The top two seeds coming into this week and alongside Naomi Osaka, the two biggest names in the tournament, they have both lived up to their billing barely dropping a set and in Sabalenka's toughest test yet, she thrived against Victoria Azarenka winning 6-2, 6-4.
Sabalenka's devastating power was in full evidence during the tie as she has shown all week dismantling the likes of Lin Zhu and Daria Kasatkina, she produced 18 winners which was at an average of 2.25 per game in the opener with only six unforced errors coming off her racquet as she sealed it 6-2.
She broke first after a tight couple of games as she took two chances and sealed the second on break point and she didn't taste any resolve from Azarenka from there in the opener as despite a close hold from there, Azarenka did not get a chance. It was another break from Sabalenka which sealed the set as she claimed it on her second set point.
The second set was more even as Sabalenka got break point chances on the Azarenka serve but did not take them. The same could not be said for her opponent as Sabalenka eased through her serve with no issues. This until the latter stages where Sabalenka saved break points at 4-3 and 5-4 and this turned the match in her favour instead of a final set as she overturned a 15-30 deficit in the final game for a late break to seal the win. Now Elena Rybakina awaits and what a match that is!
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